What We Know About China’s Earthquake That Killed 95 People
A powerful earthquake rocked the Tibetan Plateau on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 95 people dead and 130 others injured, according to several sources. The 7.1-magnitude quake, which struck at 9:05 a.m. local time, originated in Tingri County, a remote area high on the Tibetan Plateau, close to the Nepalese border.
The tremors were felt far beyond Tibet’s borders, reverberating through northern India and Nepal, including its capital, Kathmandu. Bishal Nath Upreti from the Nepal Centre for Disaster Management recounted, “It was very strong. People came running out of their houses. You could see the wires from poles shaken loose.”
The shockwaves extended to Mount Everest’s base camp, alarming climbers and visitors. By noon, the China Earthquake Networks Center had recorded 49 aftershocks, further complicating rescue missions.
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Damage and Rescue Efforts
Tingri County, where the epicenter was located, bore the brunt of the earthquake. More than 1,000 houses were reported damaged, displacing residents in isolated Himalayan villages. Videos seen by Neusroom reportedly from Lhatse County, which is located about 86 kilometers (53 miles) from the epicenter, showed debris-strewn streets, crumpled walls, and damaged vehicles.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts to search and rescue survivors, minimize casualties, properly accommodate affected residents, and ensure their safety and warmth in the winter cold.”
Tibet: A Region on the Fault Line
Tibet, often referred to as the “Roof of the World” due to its towering Himalayan peaks, is no stranger to seismic activity. The region’s geopolitical sensitivity adds layers of complexity to disaster response. Since the Dalai Lama’s flight to India following a failed uprising in 1959, Beijing has maintained strict control over Tibet, limiting foreign access.
Parallels to Nepal’s 2015 Earthquake
For many in the region, the disaster evoked painful memories of Nepal’s 2015 earthquake. That 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck near Kathmandu, claimed the lives of approximately 9,000 people and injured thousands more. The proximity of Tuesday’s quake to Nepal reignited fears of another large-scale disaster in the Himalayan belt.
